A clampdown by police on drugs, knives and burglaries has led to 56 arrests in under two months.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary launched Operation Remedy using £15million in funds from a hike in its council tax precept.
As well as targeting the three types of crime, the operation will see 100 officers hired - the first recruitment over the force’s established levels since 2004.
Operation Remedy's results from April 4 to May 9 are as follows:
- Police have executed 16 warrants.
- Officers have arrested 56 people and 40 have been charged to date, including offenders wanted for dwelling burglary offences, possession of knives and drugs. A wanted burglary offender was found and stolen items recovered included a bike worth around £3,300.
- Nearly 1,000 extra hours of patrols have taken place. High-visibility patrols in areas of North Somerset have led to evidence of drug-dealing.
- Police have recovered nearly 700 cannabis bushes. In one bust they found 100 cannabis plants as part of a sophisticated growing operation, worth around £100,000. Two people were arrested.
- Officers have recovered 1kg of extremely pure cocaine.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “In the short time since Operation Remedy, it’s fantastic to see the results that have already been achieved. From speaking to local people, I know they wanted the police to focus on knife crime, drug dealing and dwelling burglaries.
“We will continue to show local people the difference in the police’s fight against crime and our officers are working hard to intensify their fight against serious violence on our streets, in our town and in our cities."
Chief Constable Andy Marsh added: “The officers have recovered many, many knives and have been actively visible in some of our most difficult hotspot areas.
"They have also been following up on burglaries and have solved an additional 30 already, putting the fear away from the victims of burglary to the people who know we are going to be squeezing their shoulder if they carry on."
